Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#170

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Alexander Karp

CEO, Palantir Technologies

Real-Time Net Worth

$15.3B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Software firm

Industry

technology

Citizenship

Biography

Dr. Alexander Karp, co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, is an American businessman and entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $15.3 billion. His wealth stems primarily from his stake in the software firm, Palantir. Karp, a graduate of Haverford College, Stanford Law School, and Goethe University, began his career in finance before co-founding Palantir in 2004 with Peter Thiel. He is known for his unconventional leadership style and has been recognized for his influence in the tech industry, including being named to the Time 100 list in 2025. Karp's career has been marked by a focus on data analytics, particularly for government and commercial clients, and his leadership has been central to Palantir's expansion and its controversial activities.

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Alexander Caedmon Karp was born on October 2, 1967, in New York City and raised in Philadelphia. He is the son of a Jewish father, Robert Joseph Karp, a pediatrician, and Leah Jaynes Karp, an African American artist. Growing up, Karp was influenced by his parents' activism for civil rights and social justice. He struggled with dyslexia from an early age.

Rise to Success

Karp's career began in the financial sector, where he founded the Caedmon Group, a London-based money management firm. In 2003, he co-founded Palantir Technologies with Peter Thiel, Nathan Gettings, Joe Lonsdale, and Stephen Cohen. Palantir went public in 2020. In 2025, he was named on the Time 100 list. Karp is known for his unconventional leadership style and is a vocal advocate for the West's values.

Key Business Strategies

Under Karp's leadership, Palantir has focused on providing data analytics software to both government and commercial clients. The company's key products include Palantir Gotham, designed for intelligence and defense, and Palantir Foundry, used by businesses across various sectors. The company's revenue in 2024 was $2.866 billion. The company's Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) was launched in April 2023.

Philanthropy

Information on the exact philanthropy amounts of Alex Karp is unavailable. Further research is needed to gather specific data on his philanthropic activities.

Career Milestones

2003

Co-founded Palantir Technologies

Co-founded Palantir Technologies, a data analytics firm.

2004

Became CEO of Palantir Technologies

Assumed the role of CEO, guiding the company through its growth.

2020

Palantir went public

Palantir Technologies went public.

2025

Named to TIME 100 list

Recognized as one of the world's most influential people.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Unknown

$XB

Specific philanthropic activities are not readily available.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""We are sorry that our haters are disappointed, but there are many more quarters to be disappointed and we are working on that too.""

Leadership Principles

Focus on Data and Analytics

Emphasizes the use of data analysis for critical decision-making.

Commitment to Western Values

Actively defends and promotes Western values within the company and its mission.

Unconventional Leadership

Employs a unique leadership style, often challenging industry norms.

Controversies & Challenges

2020

Partnerships with ICE

Palantir's contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for tracking and deporting undocumented immigrants have drawn significant criticism.

Ongoing

Data Privacy Concerns

Concerns about the extent of data collection and potential misuse of Palantir's platforms have led to criticism and scrutiny.

Ongoing

Predictive Policing

Palantir's involvement in predictive policing initiatives has faced criticism for reinforcing existing biases and leading to discriminatory practices.